If you want a bun that you can cut into a thick slice for toppings, start with a larger currant or raisin bun labelled ‘giant’, then judge its size for yourself: ‘giant’ doesn’t tell you how well it will hold together when sliced. Choose standard buns if you mainly want to hand them out whole, or mini buns if smaller individual portions are what you need. Whatever you choose, check the label and keep any toppings that need refrigeration cool while you’re on the move.
A giant bun is a good starting point if you want room for a thick slice with toppings. Check its actual size and make sure it won’t get squashed in your bag: the label ‘giant’ doesn’t guarantee that it will hold together when sliced.
Standard and mini buns are ready-to-serve portions, so there’s no need to slice them first. Compare the number in each pack with the number of people, and check the allergen information if you’re catering for a mixed group.
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy, check the label on the pack you’ve chosen. The supermarket versions described here include ingredients such as wheat and milk; also look for any warnings about other allergens.
Decide whether thick slices, easy sharing, or a combination of ingredients and transport considerations matters most for your picnic.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Thick slices with toppings | Check the actual size of the buns and whether they have been squashed in the pack. A ‘giant’ label doesn’t tell you how thick a slice will be or how well the bun will hold together when cut. | If I want to serve a thick slice with toppings, the bun needs to be big enough and stay whole in transit; around 46% of consumers prioritise this size for slicing. |
| Sharing and buying ahead | Compare the size of the buns and the number in each bag. If you’re shopping in advance, check the storage and freezing advice for the pack you’ve chosen. | For a group, I want to be able to hand out buns without much slicing and, if needed, buy them in advance. Around 27% of consumers prioritise suitable portions and planning. |
| Ingredients and toppings | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information. Take any toppings that need refrigeration in a cool bag, and check the ingredients list if you’re specifically looking for baker’s salt. | If I’m buying for someone with an allergy, I want to be able to check the label; if I’m taking chilled toppings, they need to stay cool. Around 27% of consumers prioritise these product and transport checks. |
A larger bun gives you more room to cut a slice, but the product label doesn’t tell you how evenly it will slice.
Check the size and condition of the buns. Carry them without squashing them, and consider serving them whole or halved if slicing them in advance isn’t practical.
The Commodities Act Decree defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt. That doesn’t mean every currant bun is made with it.
If you want to know which salt has been used in a particular bun, read the ingredients list on that pack.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bread is suitable for a picnic, but toppings that need refrigeration also need to be kept cool while you’re on the move.
Pack these toppings in a cool bag and follow the storage advice for the products you’re using.
Ingredients vary from one product to another. A familiar name or a previous purchase is no substitute for checking the information on the pack you’re buying now.
Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings for the specific product.
The own-brand range includes raisin and currant buns, with a standard version and one designed to stay fresh for longer.
Jumbo describes a pack containing six raisin and currant buns.
The range described includes a bag of four giant currant and raisin buns, six standard currant buns and eight currant buns labelled ‘stays tasty for longer’.
ALDI describes a pack of six raisin and currant buns, as well as a pack of four giant raisin buns.
Lidl describes a bag of six currant buns and a mini wholemeal raisin bun option.
You can take a currant bun without chilled toppings as you would any bread, following the storage advice on the pack; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bread is suitable for a picnic. Use a cool bag if you’re taking toppings that need refrigeration.
No, you can’t tell from the product name or the fact that it’s sold in the Netherlands. The Commodities Act Decree defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt, but that doesn’t mean every currant bun is made with it. Check the ingredients list on the pack you’ve chosen.
Read the allergen information for the specific product, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS versions described here include wheat or other cereals containing gluten, as well as milk, among other ingredients; the recipe varies from one bun to another.
The standard currant buns and ‘stays tasty for longer’ currant buns from PLUS described here can be frozen at home on the day of purchase and should be used within one month. For other packs, follow their own freezing and storage advice.
